The Utilisation of Mobile Dental Units in Gauteng

The aim of the survey was to assess the utilisation of mobile dental units in Gauteng during the period of the 1st October 2008 to the 31st July 2009.OBJECTIVES: To determine the number of mobile dental units in each district and the type of services offered. METHODS: The Gauteng Oral Health Directorate compiled a pro forma which was required to be completed by all district chief dentists in Gauteng. The following information was required: Name of district, number of mobile dental units, number of points visited per week or month, types of services rendered, number of clients visited per week or month , staff mix and other comments. Completed forms were collated and analysed by the Division of Public Oral health at Wits. RESULTS: There was a 100% response from the 6 districts and Wits Community Oral Health Outreach Programme. There were 13 mobile dental units in total in Gauteng. Most common sites visited were schools. The mobile unit in Ekurhuleni had visited the highest number of 81 schools and type of services commonly offered were screenings, extractions and restorations. Johannesburg metro had not utilised their unit during the study period. CONCLUSION: This study revealed an imbalance between the number of units possessed by the various districts and the amount of services rendered. Clearly some units had been under utilised while some districts had an under supply of dental units.